Hamas Rejects Netanyahu's Conditions in Ceasefire Talks, Stalling Biden's Proposal: Middle East Eye Reports

Aug 18, 2024, 06:59 AM

Hamas has rejected conditions proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a ceasefire and captive exchange deal, according to sources within the Palestinian movement and reported by Middle East Eye. The Israeli delegation's primary efforts were reportedly focused on incorporating Netanyahu's conditions into a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden. Hamas officials, including Osama Hamdan and Ahmad Abdulhadi, have stated that Netanyahu is the main obstacle to reaching an agreement, with accusations that he is complicating the ceasefire process. Hamas had accepted Biden's previous proposal and the UN Security Council decision, but Netanyahu's refusal to agree has stalled negotiations. Netanyahu, on the other hand, claims that Hamas has not sent a delegation to the talks and insists that pressure should be directed at Hamas rather than Israel.